In 2001, the defensive line wasn't really considered a strength of the Panthers, and the Panthers were 31st in the league on defense (out of 31 teams). Between 2001 and 2002, the main addition on defense was Julius Peppers. Kris Jenkins wasn't looked at as anything special at the time (maturity and desire questions), but in the words of a former teammate, the light came on for him in training camp his second year. Working beside Buckner helped him get his head straight. The line was a big reason why we went from 31st on D to 2nd in 2002--they improved that much.

I'm not saying that McLain or Fua or anyone is going to do what Jenks did, and we didn't exactly draft another Julius Peppers, but there's a lot to be optimistic about. For one, even if he's old Edwards is going to bring a steadying veteran presence to the interior of the line (similar to Buckner). Whoever plays next to him won't be trying to adjust to the NFL, they'll have a year under their belt. There will be a vocal and strong linebacking corps behind them, so there shouldn't be any question on where they should be or what they should be doing on a given play. And, of course, the improved linebacker play will help cover for their mistakes.

I doubt we're going to be a top ten defense this year, but we should improve a ton. And we're going to be a lot better whether or not we have a guy who was signed to be a backup on the Colts interior. How much is anyone's guess. No use crying about it in July.

The doom and gloom realists are the only ones overly concerned about the DT positon. The rest of us see Edwards as a viable option, enough so, that we see stability and growth on the D-line. When you use third round picks on a guy(s), you have to give them time. It is not the consenus number one option, especially with madden gms, but it is the plan our leaders have chosen.

The curse of being young. The good news. Next year, the vast majority of these guys are going to be called vets. That is when we will know who we are. Still too damm early to make hasty decisions as to our young talent.

We are on the verge of elite status, and are only in year two. Now who is being unreasonable? Us homerz who see the road paved with potential, and are excited for the ride? Or the debby downers and randy reaslist who claim the road is too bumpy, because we don't have a quality support system in place yet?

Giddy the F up guys. And GOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!